Yarny Stripes

Ever since I completed my Dune blanket back in April I've been itching to start another blanket. There is something about crocheting stripes which soothes my soul and makes me insanely happy and I experience definite withdrawal symptoms if I don't have anything stripy on the go. The struggle is real!

Consequently, I've been fighting the huge urge to start a summer blanket due to the fact that I really don't have the actual time to squeeze in a big project. I've got a gathering number of things that need my urgent attention at this time of year, so I've staged a Blanket Resistance Campaign and well, so far so good. No more blankets until my CAL design starts to call to me. I can do it. I can, I can!

A couple weeks ago, I had the brilliant idea of combining my stripe addiction with Yarndale needs and began working on some new lamp post wraps. We currently have around 25 wraps which we install in the park  - they have been enjoyed for six years now and to be honest some of them are looking a little past their best. Time for a few new additions, and oh, I have been enjoying these easy, colourful stripes!

For my first wrap, I chose some really vibrant rainbow brights for the stripes. Each wrap measures around 28 x 100 cm, and I've worked the stripes in simple UK treble crochet. Four rows for each stripe, twenty five stripes in total. It's easy, pleasurable, joyful, therapeutic crochet and I've loved every hooking minute.

I decided to use the absolutely fabulous Moogly Crochet Alphabet to spell out the word Y-A-R-N-D-A-L-E, making up the letters in white yarn so that they stand out against the bright background.

I find the simplest way to add the letters is to tack/baste them in place using contrast yarn, then neatly stitch around the outside edge of each letter. Basting takes a little more time than simply pinning but is well worth the effort to keep the letters straight and in the correct place. Wonky words just won't do.

Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!! What do you think? 

The wrap will be secured around the lamp post with cable ties at the top and bottom, then an invisible seam will be stitched up the back so that the wrap looks good from all directions and stays intact. 

You can see the effect in the photo below...............

The 25 wraps stay in the park for around a week in the run up to Yarndale, then I carefully un pick the stitched seams and take them all back down again. They get washed and stored away ready for next year, so this isn't a throw-away kind of project, or something that will get left to weather the elements for any length of time.

I made the granny stripe wrap in the photo above for the first ever Yarndale in 2013 and it's still in pretty good shape.

As soon as the first wrap was finished I started on a second one. I'm using left over scraps of Stylecraft Special DK and a 4.5mm hook, and it's been fun thinking up colour and design ideas. The rows work up very quickly too - each row of trebles has 48 stitches and I can really whizz along fast once I get into The Zone.

↑↑↑ This was me on Sunday, sitting outside on a warm sunny morning waiting for my breakfast to arrive. I was lucky enough to spend the weekend on a jolly in Manchester with my very good friends Christine and Emma. Oh, we did have fun! Lots of eating and drinking, a little bit of retail therapy, a fair amount of pootling and wandering and a huge amount of chatter and laughter.

↑↑↑ There they are look, check out those happy smiley faces! We were sat out on the terrace at the back of a gorgeous eatery in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter. Coffee (oh so good!) along with a very tasty brunch and a bit of a leisurely crochet/knit along......what's not to love?! 

I really adore the various shades of blue that Stylecraft have created in their Special DK range. From the deep teal and rich blue tones, right through to the pale sky blues, this is a gorgeous section of the overall colour range.

I finished up the background stripes on Monday, ready to add a little floral something......

Oh, helloooooo beautiful sunflower!!!!!

I made the sunflower using Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn and a 6mm hook, following a fabulous free pattern by Cindy Hopper. You might recognise the design as I made the same flower in 4ply wool yarn for my Autumn Wreath. 

You can see how lovely the flower looks against the blue stripes, and I hope it'll be very striking when it's in situ in the park.

I made the leaves yesterday afternoon when I was at my Creative Coopers get together at the cafe. I had a quick look online to see what sunflower leaves actually look like, then made up a shape which seemed about right. I'm planning to edge the leaves in a darker green and add some stitched detail, then crochet a tall stem to bring it all together. 

I'll show you once it's all finished......I love love love exercising my Creative Mind in this way and am already forming some plans for wrap number three. I'm thinking something sheepish might be in order......!

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Comments

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[choi da ga]

I think this is one of the most important information for me.

[Truc tiep da ga cua sat]

Lucy! These are so lovely! You’re beautiful designs never fail to take my breath away! This year I’ll be able to see them up close as I’m travelling from Sydney, Australia to attend my very first Yarndale! I’m just a bit excited!
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[dagatructiep79]

I can't wait to see these cutesy things on the lampposts again.

[danh bai an tien]

thank for your post
danh bai an tien

[KINH NGHIEM CHOI DANH BAI ROULETTE]

It was a treat to see the smiling faces of your friends. What a happy day you had
I’m just a bit excited!

[game danh bai an tien rong ho online]

I love the sunflower one and could see a rainbow stem for it. I look forward to seeing them all finished
These are so lovely! You’re beautiful designs never fail to take my breath away

[choi da ga]

It is still tricky and challenging for me. I am still not used to it. I appreciate this tutorial.

[tysobongda]

I'm going to Yarndale again! I can't wait to see these cutesy things on the lampposts again.

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[choi da ga]

Woa! look it very nice.

[choi da ga]

it look so lovely!

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I love the colourful banner!

[bongdalu]

Thank you very much for this great post

[tivis101]

Thank you very much for this great post

[xocdia]

There are no words to show my appreciation, thanks you!!

[da ga campuchia]

I love the sunflower one and could see a rainbow stem for it. I look forward to seeing them all finished. I'm still working away on a hexagon blanket at the moment
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[Sher]

I second you on the Moogly Alphabets! Tamara did an amazing job with those and I have used them many many times to spell out baby names and holiday greetings on crochet buntings, blankets and loads of other hooky gifts. Cheers to Moogly Alphabets!

[Terra]

I like your stripe creations and the lamp post wraps and how you use them multiple times.

[Elise]

This is wonderful! I love the idea of yarn bombing the posts!! The white letters look so great against the bright stripes!

[Pom Pom]

I love the sunflower! So pretty!

[Kathryn Ashe]

It was a treat to see the smiling faces of your friends. What a happy day you had ❤.

[Angela- Southern USA]

Gorgeous hooky therapy! I love the sunflower one and could see a rainbow stem for it. I look forward to seeing them all finished. I'm still working away on a hexagon blanket at the moment, it's becoming very hot to work under even in air conditioning, but needs must. (A gift that has to be finished soon.)lol Have a fab weekend! xxxxxxxxxx

[Jo Kneale]

I'm going to Yarndale again! I can't wait to see these cutesy things on the lampposts again. And to wave at you and Christine as I run past! (I know you're always busy on the days!)
I love the sunflower one... I'll definitely be looking out for that one!

[Rachel]

I was at Mackie Mayor's for the first time on Wednesday - amazing coffee and a raspberry and rose chocolate brownie, a good way to start the day!